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Brian Griffin named McAuley Award winner at St. Joseph's/Candler

Joseph Jacob/ Savannah Morning News Brian Griffin is called upon to receive the St. Joseph's Candler McAuley Award on Thursday, Griffin was one of 52 nominees considered for the 20th McAuley Award.

Joseph Jacob/ Savannah Morning News Brian Griffin embraces fellow employees of St. Joseph's Chandler on his way up to receive the 20th is called upon to receive the 20th McAuley Award on Thursday.

Joseph Jacob/ Savannah Morning News Paul P. Hinchey, president/CEO of the healthcare system at St. Joseph's Chandler presents the 20th McAuley Award to Brian Griffin, the creative and production manager for the system's marketing and public relations department, on Thursday.

A stunned Brian Patrick Griffin on Thursday was named the 20th annual McAuley Award winner for his work with St. Joseph’s/Candler and the Savannah community.

Paul P. Hinchey, president/CEO of the health care system, presented the award to a surprised Griffin during a ceremony at the southside Savannah hospital.

“We’ve been blessed for this hospital system to have so many role models everywhere,” Hinchey told an audience in the cafeteria for a luncheon and presentation.

The award is kept a closely guarded secret each year, so Griffin did not know about winning it until he was announced — with his wife and three children hidden from view. They emerged after the award was announced.

“Here’s your Coke,” he said before presenting Griffin, who is always with a real Coke in hand, with his real prize package.

“This is so not right,” the low-key Griffin said of the public recognition he avoids. “I don’t know how you managed to pull this off. … I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless.”

Griffin, who is creative and production manager for the system’s marketing and public relations department, was chosen from 51 co-workers nominated by fellow employees for living the mission and values of the health care provider and honoring the memory of Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy order, whose order sponsors St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Griffin has worked for the system since 1996.

In addition to his work with the system, Griffin is active in his parish of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and works with the church school, where his children attend classes.

He also formed the St. Joseph’s/Candler Angels of Mercy in 1996 to help the underserved and impoverished and frequently spends weekends doing volunteer work.

In addressing the group, Sister Margaret Beatty, St. Joseph’s vice president for missions, said each of the 51 nominees “were winners.”

Griffin, she said later, “is always there when you need him.”

The award recognizes employees who care about providing quality care and compassion to their patients through strong teamwork and personal accountability.

Griffin’s name will appear on the bronze McAuley plaques displayed at St. Joseph’s and Candler hospitals, receive a $3,000 honorarium, a one-year free parking pass in the location of his choice, a one-month cafeteria meal pass, a gift certificate for massages at the Center for WellBeing, a St. Joseph’s/Candler watch and the McAuley pin.